Queen's Brian May and his dad built the legendary Red Special guitar from scratch, defining a sound!
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- Queen guitarist Brian May's legendary "Red Special" was born from a young man's unfulfilled dream and a father's unwavering love. When Brian couldn't afford his dream guitar, he and his dad embarked on a journey to create something extraordinary, pouring their hearts into the project with limited resources and no prior experience.
Using an old oak tabletop, a 100-year-old fireplace mantel, and even knitting needles and buttons from Brian's mum, they meticulously handcrafted every piece of the guitar. The "Red Special" was more than just a sum of its parts - Brian and his dad's innovative wiring and unique tremolo system set it apart, a testament to their ingenuity and passion.
As someone who has crafted guitars with my own father, I deeply relate to the special bond that forms on a creative journey like this. There's magic in working side by side, learning from each other, and watching your shared vision come to life. It's in those moments that you realize the power of human connection and the beauty of a shared passion.
Over the years, as Queen rose to stardom, the "Red Special" became an integral part of Brian May's musical identity, its unique voice heard on countless hit records. Today, it stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when you dare to dream big and pour your heart into making those dreams a reality.
So the next time you face an impossible dream, take a page from Brian May and his dad's book. Embrace the challenge, let your passion guide you, and you might just create something that changes the world.
#guitar #queen #brianmay #redspecial #luthier #fatherson
Credit: Absolute Radio
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Yep... This is a guy who has a PhD in astrophysics and worked on the guidance systems of the Mars rovers... Very highly intelligent
Which rovers? I woulda remembered him.
Are you joking ?
that's another Cox... i mean another Brian..
@@VeritasProbitasIustisianooo, that’s him alright.
@@breeknowthere is basically no information on that available. Only that he helped them on the New Horizons probe.
What a wonderful story. 50 or 60 years later he's still playing that guitar! Awesome!
Two hundred years later....
And doesn’t use a plectrum. He uses a six penny piece.
@@badmattam a sixpence
@@NealFosterHD indeed, yes.👍
There's no thing which can be destroyed in guitar, if u know the instrument, worst case scenario u can break the neck, but its fixable, guitars are just relible instruments.
It just blows my mind that he and his dad built maybe the most iconic guitar ever.
First try, no problem. And it still looks pristine, amazing.
What's its worth... interesting
Yep. They did just that.
@@magichands135 it was refurbished/overhauled circa 1998
With no power tools and with things that weren't purposed initially for a guitar. The remakes signature one's are neat.
A boy and his dad making the instrument that will change, inspire and bring joy to the world, together ❤
In modern times its sad we hear father and son projects alot less. The rise in social media probably doesn't help nowadays. But I agree with you whole heartedly 😊
It never stops to astonish me how well his father crafted this guitar with remainings at home.
And his son became one of the most famous and influential guitar players.
It doesn't get any better than that.
His Dad must be so very proud of their Brian.
Thank you for bringing Queen to life. You Lads like the Beatles are ICONIC.
Never to be copied, but forever emulated.
And he's an astrophysicist with a 180 IQ to boot. Definitely a man to be admired and emulated. Brilliant.
The astonishing thing from this story should be that his dad was a great electronics engineer and craftsman but they were relatively poor.
when the passion is there, the product will show it
influential to whom? hes a mediocre player with a bs story that nobody believes who dabbled in woodworking only a little
Clearly a lot of love from Dad to Son....and in return.
Very intelligent men. But for me, it's the love, nurturing and support that makes this man, at his age, still talk with love and appreciation of his father.
That's nice ♡
I agree 100%. The impact of a male parent these days is tragically underrated.
@@WayneCaissie-armatechnicosas a dad of four wonderful kids I totally agree! 💯
As an engineer and guitar player. Brian is one of many favourite guitarists that I admire. He inspired me to craft my own guitars.
That’s great to hear. I just play guitar. You keep doing what you’re doing. Love the passion.
How did it to a 100 year old fireplace during the time to a 300 present time😅
@@Txfinity It's a joke about how much older he is now (not actually 200). 😊
@@Txfinity
It's called
"A sense of humour"
@@rogerstarkey5390 My Fault
Its 300yrs old NOW.....😂
I am so envious of this man ... I so wish my father had been that supported to my skills like that... I did my dreams on my own after I moved out at 16 years of age.
So he must be 200 yrs old at least 😂
glad someone else caught that, dudes a fking vampire haha
He meant the mantle was already 100 years old when they turned it into a guitar neck. I'm not sure if you've seen a large fireplace mantel but they're typically pretty big meaning the tree it came from was probably 200 years old.
@@nickbisson8243your first sentence was right but I think he was just calling himself old as a joke. If you dissect it he implied he’s at least 200
The gratitude and admiration for his dad is simply amazing.
Simply beautiful.
When we have kids we should all try to be that dad.
That's magic. Dad's right there with him. Wow, beautiful memories, 😍
Brian still honouring his dad… brilliant
What an absolute awesome farther and son experience that must have been.
Father
Yeah sadly I can only imagine what that must have been like ? Sigh! .
@@pip208 am dyslexic 👍
@@pwrrpw319 same, but I have them with my kids now, so I can't complain.
It's fashah!. Aushtin powahs fashah! Fashah, fashah, fashah!
This man is a LEGEND. May he live another 300 years!
😂😂..nice one
to 2269 and beyond!
I could listen to Brian May talk for days. He is so intelligent. Not just a rock star, but he has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. And he is handsome as well. It really seems like he is an old soul.
There are still guitar manufacturers still trying to emulate that homemade guitar, amazing!
I would say handmade instead of homemade.
@yoyosmum handmade can be made anywhere. Homemade means made in your home. They used parts of their own home to build that guitar.
Also if I bake cookies at home, not premix out of a box, just add water, they are homemade.
Brian's guitar is homemade.
I definitely understand what you mean. I think this time the situation is different.
@@nowayout8773well said brother
Guitars are always living, breathing, talking/crying/wailing/laughing things. Yours has always had a very special voice.❤
Great, well expressed comment. Spot on! In the right hands, guitars do come to life.
Sir Dr. Brian May
Knighted by the Queen
An EARNED Doctorate in Astrophysics.
Oh yeah, and the lead guitarist of one of the most famous bands in history!
Well done SIR!!!
He and Bruce Dickinson are surely renaissance men. So many varied accomplishments.
Worth millions, no doubt.
Absolutely priceless. I hope it goes to a museum one day .
Millions??? That guitar is priceless. It belongs in a museum.
And I cost under £10 to make it , absolutely iconic
No price for things like this. Like the guitar kurt russell destroyed in tarantino movie 😅
A labour of love.
I think Brian is a man with a big heart and a magnificent mind.
Lovely tale. Precious guitar.
Iconic man.
Majestic band of musicians.
This is such a wonderful story. Thank you Brain! Grew up on Queen in the 70’s and boy we had the best music.
Need a little edit .
What a wonderful story. You were so blessed having done that project with your Dad.
That guitar built with his father worth a lifetime .
The most iconic and greatest sounding guitar ever, in my opinion.
It’s the most unique in sound and look, nobody can replicate either without everyone knowing they’re copying him
He's use of a British coin as a pick helps in the unique sound
That's really nice to see he still has his original guitar.
Considering he could buy any antique amps and Stratacasters etc with this fame n fortune
Freddie and Brian are the geniuses behind the magic that Queen has . They are both unique in the way that they sing & play . RIP Freddie
Bit unfair on Roger Taylor & John Deacon
@@stevenpryce7808 Yes they contributed lots , not just the instruments they played, OK so they weren't prolific song writers like Brian & Freddy, but they still brought plenty , thanks guys :)
They were all really good everybody in the band contributed and the guy that always sung the high parts was the drummer check out his solo albums
Wellllllll... don't sell the other two short. John Deacon, the bassist, had great rhythm and penned many of their hits.
@@jimgardner5129that groove in “Body language “, just sick!
You can tell how good a craftsman is by what he can get away with . How a craftsman shows his improvisation skills and repurposes materials is an art . What a beautiful guitar, you both made but best of all what a great memory .
My dad had the same attitude. Bless his beautiful memory.
This guitar is going to be worth millions upon millions of dollars
... But it should stay in the family. An inspiration to future generations, worth more than anybody could ever pay for it.
I would like to know the full "monty" of this guitar. mics. ftc. ...the rest of the pieces,
@@rbettsx Yeah I want to see Anita Dobson playing it next. "Cor blimey trousers I'm orf daan the street, my old man's a dustman and ees got 2 left feet...'av a banana"
Needs to be in a museum.
Almost all guitars that end up in the family get lost or auctioned so..... museum seems right
@@nachoplaymer4397 "It belongs in a MUSEUM!"
And the sound Brian May produced has never been duplicated.
Yes, even Steve Vai said that was only quitar sound he could never reproduce.
Its a legend, today u can use a virtuel amp and have the exact same song
It's been duplicated so very often by so many guitarists in so many directions. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
@@BarelyBoomer Not by the guitarist, but by computers. But still very flattering.
SIR Brian May*
And one of the very, very best guitarists ever, often overlooked.
Now that's the absolute greatest thing that a Dad & son could do together ! Great bonding time for you guys !
They definitely did it properly, that guitar's tone is irreplaceably unique.
Great story. And a beautiful legacy to your father. He cared about your dream. Beautiful.
Yep !, he didn't understand it until much later, but that doesn't matter, because he cared enough to help his son, and the rest is history & what a magic history it has been :)
What a great story respect to your dad , and you , and mama buttons . ❤
Love the mildly self - deprecating comment, introduced by way of subtle aside: "The neck is from a chimney that was a hundred years old, so it's about three hundred years old now "
Just brilliant!! 🎉 🎸 🎶 🔊 🎂 😃 👍
I love that humble guy… pure genious and when he talks about guitar it’s like a fairy tale….
I had the great pleasure of watching him play guitar live to a small crowd of 300 guests on Heron Island the Great Barrier Reef where I worked as a chef for many years. He was to say the least mind numbingly fantastic live. That man can play believe you me.
Brian truly is an amazing guy . And surely his dad passed that down to him ! That truly is an iconic instrument .
Probably one of the smartest groups all educated. Geniuses, can you imagine that they'd never made a guitar in their life and look what they come up with first try?
You and your Dad built the amazing guitar for a Son who was to become an amazing guitar player, Thanks Brian for the wonderful shows that you and Queen performed I enjoyed them all. 😁😁😁😁😁
A true labor of love of a one of a kind guitar for a one of a kind guitarist ! I Love this story Brian !Reminds me of so many things my parents couldn’t afford when we were kids. The OP shorts for instance (for you youngsters Ocean Pacific curdoroy shorts ) My Grandmother sat at the sewing machine and made each of us multiple pairs of shorts for that summer. When my Sisters grew out of theirs and were going to get rid of them I saved them each pair. I couldn’t part with a single one. It’s just plain love of your family trying to give you your hearts desire. ❤😊
Brian is the best of us.
And still playing it. You can see the blessing traveling from one generation to another. His grandparents taught his father good ethics and he taught his son and the son has been teaching every generation since. What a class act and a classic!
Some of the most utterly gorgeous, sublimely crafted guitar solos ever. Respect.
Brian may you are my favourite guitarist. I can see and hear the eloquence and respect you have for the music and the audience. Thank you.
I always loved the sound of that guitar, even when I was a kid and knew nothing about it's history
A father's love for his son 💗 made magic music.
Now I got to listen to brighton rock.
I thought this was a rumour, nice to hear Mr May confirm the story, shine on ✌️
His dad had some serious skills to make such a quality instrument, that guitar is beautiful and legendary!😲
I wish I had a guitar like that (and a dad).🎸
My dad did same for my brother over 60 yrs ago, he was an incredibly gifted carpenter craftsman
That brother today? Peter Clapton...no Eric Green...no, it's the one and only Everly Brothers, err two and only.
Brian May he is a class act. Much respect!
Thinking of this very thing this morning. I’ve always said I’d love to have one. Thinking of both Freddy and Brian and the band as a whole. True musicians.
A normal person can't do it, but his dad was a brilliant electronic engineer and he himself is a brilliant person
Awesome story!
Always Loved Brian's playing since 1976 & now it means even more.
Thank You May Family & Queen.
❤a father is a marvelous being.❤
and this is what I know after decades, since I knew the Band.
Thanks
Awesome story!
Not surprised though by this astrophysics PhD!
Amazing renaissance man!
You are so proud of your dad. He is so proud of you! We all are and love you! Thank you for your beautiful music! God bless!❤❤❤
His dad never made a guitar and he made this wow just wow
Diese Gitarre ist ein absolutes Einzelstück! ❤
What an awesome experience that you continue to have with your Dad.
OMG! I already thought Brian May was the coolest astrophysicist ever, but now I know he is!!! Even more love and respect, brother!!!
Holy smokes, Bryan even got detailed drawings of it! When engineering marries arts!
Amazing man. Imagine having two extremely notable careers as an artist and as a scientist. Truly a modern day Leonardo.
That guitar is gonna be worth a lot one day
That guitar is worth alot right now.!
That's what I was thinking too.
It's priceless......
Not for sale...ever!!!
Being a famous and unique guitar, one of a kind, it is most probably most expensive right now.
Nobody can ever have a better guitar. It's clearly a family member.
That guitar 🎸 worked just fine!!!
"For things worth doing, it's worth doing properly" - Brian May
It's worth my total respect
That s awesome!! I am sure his father is proud of where that guitar and son have gone.
Such a wonderful story and father/son bonding times a million!!! We are all recipients of their brilliance fed by such love and caring!!!❤
I never tire of hearing this story
I'd love to see a movie about all of Queen's members .. they are all very accomplished intelligent men.
Impressive. Big lesson. Big big lesson.
Much here for younger people to learn and something for the modern father too....Thanks mate it's a heartfelt moment you shared.👍🥂
People forget that musical instruments were made for millenia before electricty and factories. They were made with hand tools, sweat, and most importantly... LOVE.
I could absolutely listen to Brian May all day, his voice is so pieceful The part where he is talking about his Dad and him making building a guitar 🎸 is brilliant to say the least.
What a rare man that father of his was. Touching story
Absolutely priceless - the memories with your dad, and the fact y'all reclaimed, reduced, reused items lying around. Fantabulous!
Its shows how important supportive parents are to the children's future. We need to preserve the family in order to preserve our society.
Preserving families is wonderful
But insuring families are functional & GOOD is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT..
Abusive families hold back children.. You are correct regarding the importance of supportive parents
(&/or mentors)..
You can see in the eyes of this man, Brian, lots of love and care. Much more than a fabulous musician, a man, a Lord. And yet from heights of his majesty, still humble and sweet to his fans.
Love you Brian ❤
My respect for him just went up another level.
The of Brian May and his dad really shines through in the designing process of that guitar. That is a pure work of genius. :D
Brian’s father belongs in the R and R hall of fame
Well said. Yes, he does.
No other guitar in rock n roll sounds like it. He truly has a one of a kind in what he and his dad built. I hope it ends up with someone who cares for it and can really play it well when it goes to the next person. I want to hear some more great rock music from that instrument !
Yep he comes from a time our dad's fixed things or hand made stuff, we/ you couldn't afford to buy a new stuff. My dad saved all kinds of junk but if you needed something he had it. A different time
This is absolutely one of the most touching and inspiring stories of a father's love nurturing genius and driving success. It's such a beautiful story of creating magic together... As a family... Regardless of station or resources. It's one of the finest examples of fatherhood... And the love, respect, admiration and appreciation it instills in their children. I love Brian May for this. And talk about making the most of an opportunity. Don't ever tell me you can't succeed because you weren't born into it. It takes drive, determination, and creativity to make it happen but anyone can do it. God bless them both... Father and son. I hope stories like this inspire more parents to actively engage with their children. It could be the BEST thing you ever do!
The definition of legend, right here
What a beautiful relationship he had with his father who supported him in building that guitar, my congratulations😊😊😊😊
This is an amazing story.
Wow never knew that. Amazing thing to do with your DAD
No Internet needed. The bookcase, the shed and the #oldenglishdadx
‘Worth over doing’ just brilliant and a testament to my own father.
That is pretty cool
Brian, you and your dad are amazing. In you telling this story, I can hear the love in your voice!
And then he got a PhD in Astrophysics.
Absolutely mindblowing. I'd be patting myself on the back forever just for making such a great guitar 1st time. Let alone learning to play it so well and then joining one of the greatest bands ever!
That is so cool.
Best sounding guitar I’ve ever heard bar none very distinctive sound I’ve been playing for almost a century playing every guitar on the market and yet to hear anything that equals it Really!!!❤
Awesome story
Brian is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I could listen to his personal story forever!!;+ You can tell how he feels about his parents by the tone in his voice and the LOVE that's evident in his facial expression. LOVE YOU BRIAN 😍❤️💋😍❤️💋